Whats is the best brand of LCD projectors?

Question

Personal likings?? and why??

Answer 1

There are three basic technologies: DLP, LVD and LCOS. The latter (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) is a variation on LCD.

When deciding on a projector (prior to much choice in true HD projectors) I spent a great deal of time reading and came to the conclusion there is no best technology or projector.

Projectors I had a chance to review all looked OK, but generally LCD ones (Sanyo Z4, Hitachi HDPJ52 and Panasonic AE700 and AE900) gave the least compelling picture. The best picture was on a much more expensive Yamaha DLP projector ... and I concluded it was because of better blacks giving a richness to the picture.

However, I eventually chose LCOS (Canon SX60) for a number of reasons important to me (but maybe not others):
- I wanted flexibility to use in a light controlled room or with some light present -- therefore 2000+ Lumens (SX60=2500)
- I wanted it to be portable (SX60 is under 10 lbs)
- Throw range and Offset allowed back wall mounting
- Hiqh quality optics
- LCOS has highest fill factor (93% of visual field is picture ... only 7% is taken up by border around each pixel) leads to essentially no "screen door effect" so the viewer can sit closer without seeing the fine lines that make up the interpixel spaces.
- No rotating colour wheel, so no chance of "rainbow effect" possible with DLP projectors.
- 4:3 screen ratio (which to me is preferable because I see wide screen material full screen and 4:3 material (like IMAX movies) the same width and taller, rather than compressed to within a 16:9 picture).
- higher resolution than competition's 1280x720 (i.e. 1400 x 1050).
- Quiet
- Reputed long lamp life
- adequate contrast ratio of 2000:1.

Was it the right choice? My wife and I love it. Colour is great, ergonomics are what I wanted, and the picture -- overall -- is an 8/10 (relative to what is possible ... but we can't justify the $$). However, I am currently projecting on a custom painted wall (I did for $30 following suggestions from the DIY screen forum at AVS Forum) and a high contrat screen (which we will probably eventually get) would probably improve this to 8.5 or 9.

That all said, the new Panasonic AX100 (successor to the AE900) is reputed to be far superior to it's highly recommended predecessor (see review at link below) ... and is the latest offering from one of the most respected LCD projector manufacturers. Sanyo are the other obvious choice and are about to release their 5th generation LCD projector.

Answer 2

Without a doubt the Sony SXRD projectors have the best picture quality. True 1920x1080 resolution, excellent contrast ratio and black levels. Check the reviews. In addition, it is one of the few sets that will accept 1080p input soon to be available on the new high definition DVD players.

NOTE: I assumed you meant rear projectors; however, I would say the same for front projectors (Sony also makes an SXRD front projector). Again it is a true 1920x1080, while reasonably-priced DLP projectors are still 1280x720. If you are willing to settle for the lower pixel count, DLP projectors offer a good value.

Answer 3

i'm kinda partial to NEC myself. I have installed several. Very simple design, easy to understand. Great quality and fair price.

Answer 4

I would put my money on Sony. =)

Good quality and a extraordinary picture!

H a p p y
H o m e
T h e a t e r i n g !

Answer 5

i'm on my 3rd BenQ and they are great